Blackpool to pilot 'UK's first dance-based fringe festival'

Blackpool is set to host what is being billed as the UK’s first dance-based fringe festival, with performers and producers dubbing the town the nation’s "capital of dance".

Taking place between June 14 and July 14 this year, the month-long pilot festival will feature more than 100 dance-based events including live performances, workshops with celebrity dancers, theatre shows and dance-themed art exhibitions. 

As well as celebrating Blackpool’s heritage in social and competitive dance, the pilot festival is a bid to crown the town the UK’s "capital of dance", its organisers have said.

Its co-creator, theatre producer and festival promoter Marina Blore, said she hoped the festival would return in 2025 larger and more established as the UK’s first dance-based fringe festival.

The long-term vision for the festival, Blore continued, is to transform theatres, art venues and unusual spaces around the town into "dance hubs" that will host workshops and shows catering for all ages and abilities.

Dancers, dancer creatives, producers and choreographers are being encouraged to pledge their support for this year’s event and next year’s, which will take place from June 13 to July 13, 2025.  

Strictly Come Dancing Star Karen Hauer has pledged her support to the pilot festival and is set to deliver festival workshops on June 29 at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. 

Hauer said: "There really is nowhere quite like Blackpool when it comes to dancing. 

"I had the privilege of dancing on the famous Blackpool Tower ballroom floor for many years and every year it just gets better."

Hauer added: "This is an incredible initiative, and it is fantastic to see Blackpool finally getting the recognition it deserves. It is well and truly the UK’s capital of dance." 

Blore, who announced the festival alongside Martin Blore from organisers Fit the Bill Limited, said: "Since the Victorians arrived at the resort by train to dance on the piers, Blackpool has continued to welcome thousands of enthusiasts.

"This passion has grown in the resort throughout the decades."

The Capital of Dance pilot project has been part-funded by the UK government through UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) grants.

TBID Blackpool chair Kate Shane said: “Blackpool and dancing have been hand in hand for generations, providing magical experiences for everyone, whether they’re a competitor, spectator or just love to take to the floor. 

"The resort has the best array of venues and this, combined with our world-class hospitality, makes Blackpool the perfect location to be the UK’s Capital of Dance.”